radio-nuclides in scrap metal - metal recyclers assocation · 2018. 9. 3. · sources in scra p....

National Dept. Healthp

Radio-nuclides in Scrap MetalEXPLORANIUM

Emma SnymanEXPLORANIUM

Emma SnymanSub-Directorate: Radio-nuclides Directorate Radiation Control14 Sep 2011

OverviewOverview

� Legislation� Response – Guideline & Example� Response Guideline & Example� Reporting of Incidents

� National- & International responsibility� National & International responsibility� ITDB (Illicit Trafficking Database)� INES (International Nuclear Event Scale)INES (International Nuclear Event Scale)

Legislative frameworkLegislative framework

Sub-Directorate: Radio-nuclides� Hazardous Substances Act (Act 15 of 1973) ) -( ) )

Group IV Hazardous substances� Regulations R246 & 247 (1993)� Conditions & Codes of Practice� Conditions & Codes of Practice

� The Radioactive Waste Management Policy and Strategy for the Republic of South Africa

� Disaster Management Act � National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute Act, Act No. 53 of 2008National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute Act, Act No. 53 of 2008

Regulatory Requirements

Hazardous Substance Act (15 of 1973)Hazardous Substance Act (15 of 1973)Regulations (R247 of 1993) related to Group IV hazardous

substances

Regulation 16: Reporting of Radiation Occurrences� Every Authority Holder must notify the Directorate Radiation

Control immediately by telephone, e-mail or facsimile of anyControl immediately by telephone, e mail or facsimile of anyradiation occurrence that took place.

� The RPO must also conduct a full investigation and compile a report which must be sent to the Directorate within 7 days following the radiation occurrence

� National Responsibility� International Responsibility: SA Reports to IAEA: ITDB & INES

Regulatory Requirements

Hazardous Substance Act (15 of 1973)Regulations (R247 of 1993) related to Group IV hazardous

substances

R l ti 25 I ti ti i t d tifi ti fRegulation 25: Investigation into and notification of overexposure

� (1) Where an employer who works with or transports a Group IV hazardous substancesuspects or is informed that any employee or other person has probably received a radiation dose greater than four millisievert as a result of that work or transport he shalldose greater than four millisievert as a result of that work or transport, he shallimmediately conduct an investigation and shall forthwith by telephone, telegram, telefacsimile or other similar rapid means notify-

(a) the Director-General; and(b) such employee or other person, of the suspected overexposure( ) p y p , p p

and shall investigate, or arrange for an investigation into the circumstances of exposure to ionising radiation, make an assessment of the dose received and forthwith notify the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above of the results of that investigation and assessment.

� (2) An employer who conducts any investigation in terms of subregulation (1) shall compile a report on that investigation and shall keep that report and not destroy it except with the written consent of the Director-General.

Response

� Scrap Metal Industry: Contact SAPS Bomb Squad to secure safety

p

� Scrap Metal Industry: Contact SAPS Bomb Squad to secure safety

� SAPS Bomb Squad: Refer either to NNR or Radiation Control

� Radiation Control: Assess magnitude of situationEither assist in retrieval process orEither assist in retrieval process orCall NECSA SHEQ to do retrieval

�Call NECSA SHEQ: Emergency Control Center to arrange safe retrieval & removal for final disposal

� Report all incidents involving Radioactive sources:Radiation Control Emergency contact numbers

072 511 5046076 449 5675076 449 5675

� Procedure manuals: Response teams – to be developedGuidelines: Scrap Metal Industry – to be developed

� Cooperation & Collaboration & Communication between all stakeholders

Responsep

ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND:

Radiation Safety Principals:

� Distance� Time� Time� Shielding

Responsep

Measuring maximum radiation levels on truck (� 930 μSv/h)

Responsep

Grapple Measuring radiation levels Second empty truck

Responsep

Measuring radioactive source with scrap inside grapple

Scrap spread out on tarred surface

Identification of radioactive source

Responsep

Steel rod to isolate radioactive source from scrap

Radioactive source appears to be the bottom end of a borehole logging probe

Radioactive source

Maximum radiation level measured on radioactive source was �90 mSv/h with a l l f�200 S /h t 1 t di tlevel of�200 μSv/h at 1 meter distance.

Responsep

Team from NECSA getting ready to retrieve the source

Final measurements and taking of smear sampleFinal measurements and taking of smear sample

Responsep

Using of tongs to pick up source

Placing of source in container

Fi l id tifi ti fFinal identification ofsource type before removal from site

Responsep

This incident showed once again that

proper monitoring

is the only way to guarantee the detection of orphan sources in scrap. Even with the scrap spread out on the p p ptarred surface and with the source clearly visible, it was

not possible to identify the piece of metal as a radioactive source without using a radiation monitor.

Reporting of Incidents retreval

National Database Tracking of Incidents

N ti l R ibilitNational ResponsibilityMinistry of Provincial and Local Government

Disaster Management Act (15 of 2002)

NIA (National Intelligence Agency)

Regulatory Authority

( g g y)

Sub-Directorate: Radio-nuclides

Authority Holders - Customs - Scrap Metal Industry - Public

Global Tracking of Incidentsg

International Responsibility

IAEA: ITDB (Illicit Trafficking Database) & INES

Interpol

NIA (National Intelligence Agency)

Sub-Directorate: Radio-nuclides

ITDB (Illicit Trafficking Database)ITDB (Illicit Trafficking Database)

� Group 1: Unauthorized possession & related criminal activitiesGroup 1: Unauthorized possession & related criminal activities� Unauthorized possession� Attempted sale� Unauthorized movements (or attempted)

U th i d t ti ( tt t d)� Unauthorized transaction (or attempted)

� Group 2: Theft and losses� Thefte t� Loss� Missing� Misrouting

� Group 3: Other unauthorized activities� Discovery (orphaned or under no control)� Unauthorized disposal� Unauthorized shipment� Unauthorized /undeclared storage

ITDB: Materials coveredITDB: Materials covered� Nuclear material (including uranium, plutonium, thorium)( g p )

� Responsible Authority: NNR

� Other radioactive materials� Sealed radioactive sources or bulk radioactive materials)� Responsible Authority: Radiation Control

� Other materials - radioactively contaminated materials,� E.g. contaminated equipment, scrap, metal, agricultural

products, other materials involved in incidents)p , )� Responsible Authorities:

� NORM, including uranium contaminated scrap - NNR� Other - Radiation Control

INESInternational N clear E ent Scale

S l i h t f f t

International Nuclear Event Scale

Scales are inherent forms of measurementused in daily life

Ri ht l f

Beaufort wind scaleC l i F h h it l f

Richter scale forearthquakes

Celsius or Fahrenheit scales fortemperature

Terminology: Scale with 7 levelsgy

Levels 4-7:“Accidents”

Levels 1-3: “Incidents”

INES: Examples(International Nuclear Event Scale)

Chernobyl (1986) 7y ( ) 7Kyshtym (1957) 6Goiania (1987) 5Goiania (1987) 5Three mile island (1979)

5(1979)Tokaimura (1999) 4A death for radiation 4

INES Level 5

A death for radiation 4Vandellos (1989) 3Industrial 2Industrialradiographer worker overexposure

2

INESInternational N clear E ent Scale

� “T h l i t th f t

International Nuclear Event Scale

� “To help communicate the safetysignificance of nuclear and radiological events to the public”

� A technically sound tool for communicating the right message, the safety significance ofg g y gevents at the right time

“Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

A Ei t iA. Einstein

INESInternational N clear E ent Scale

� S

International Nuclear Event Scale

� ScopeAny event associated with the transport, storage and use of radioactive material at facilities or not

� Main FeaturesP t i ti t th bli- Prompt communication to the public

- Consistency in terms of safety significance- Can be applied to any event associated withCan be applied to any event associated with

radioactive material- Events are classified on a scale from 1 to 7

INESInternational N clear E ent ScaleInternational Nuclear Event Scale

� INES DOES:

- Put the event into PROPER safety significance perspective

- Contribute to COMMON understanding of incidents and accidentsg

- Bring TRANSPARENCY

- Bring UNIFORM terminology

- Increase CREDIBILITY and REASSURANCE

INESInternational N clear E ent ScaleInternational Nuclear Event Scale

� INES DOES NOT:

- Does NOT REPLACE the existing national criteria for the reporting of eventsfor the reporting of events

- Can NOT be used to COMPARE safety orCan NOT be used to COMPARE safety orregulatory programmes between countries

Who is responsible for R di ti S i SA?

Three Regulators

Radioactive Sources in SA?

Three Regulatorsinvolved in

Radiation Protection in SA

1. Department of Energy - NNR (National Nuclear Regulator) Responsible for: Nuclear Materials (Uranium Plutonium Thorium) andResponsible for: Nuclear Materials (Uranium, Plutonium, Thorium) and

NORM (Natural Occurring Radioactive Materials)

2. Department of Energy - Directorate: Nuclear SafeguardsResponsible for: Depleted uranium

3. Department of Health - Department: Radiation ControlResponsible for: Regulates Group III & IV Hazardous Substances

Radio-nuclidesM t i l t i t d ith di ti t i lMaterials contaminated with radioactive material

Dept of Health: Radiation ControlMandateMandate

The promotion and maintenance of health within the frameworkThe promotion and maintenance of health within the framework

of the National Health Plan and specifically the protection

against injury or disease caused by technological devicesagainst injury or disease caused by technological devices,

including hazardous sources of ionizing radiation, by

furthering the safe and legal use of such devices.

Hazardous Substances Act (15 of 1973)

g g

( )Group III Hazardous Substances : Electronic generators of ionizing radiation E.g. X-ray machines, linear accelerators, etc.

Group IV Hazardous Substances - Radio-nuclides Regulations 247 (of 1993)

How do radioactive sources end up in Scrap?up in Scrap?

Sub-Directorate: Radio-nuclides has National Source RegisterSub Directorate: Radio nuclides has National Source Register- Authorities holders (posses & use)

- Authority to import, export, buy/sell, final disposal

Radioactive sources escapes regulatory control

� Theft, vehicle hijackings

� Scrap scavengers

� Liquidations & auctions

� Illegal imports of radioactive sources� Illegal imports of radioactive sources

� Scrap metal imports – no detection at borders

� Contaminated metal imports

� Unauthorized transactions

� Unauthorized disposals

Ionizing Radiation vs. Non -ionizing RadiationIonizing Radiation vs. Non ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic of particle radiation capable of producing ions, directly or indirectly, while passing through matter, and “radiation” as a corresponding meaning

g p

High Energy Low EnergyIonizing Radiation Non-ionizing Radiation

Health EffectsHealth Effects

NO immediate effects OR ability to sense danger or injuryDi & T hi hl h i l iDiagnoses & Treatment highly technical, expensiveExtent of injury increases over time - effective treatment often

limited

� Early effect� A radiation induced health effect that occurs within weeks or

months of the exposure that caused it.

� Late effect � A radiation induced health effect that occurs years after the

exposure that caused it.� The most common late effects are stochastic effects, such as

leukaemia and solid cancers, but some deterministic effects (e.g. cataract formation) can also be late effects.

H dit ff t� Hereditary effect� A radiation induced health effect that occurs in a descendant

of the exposed person.

Health EffectsHealth Effects

� Deterministic effect (exposure to single large dose – acute effects)� Deterministic effect (exposure to single large dose acute effects)� A health effect of radiation for which generally a threshold level of dose

exists above which the severity of the effect is greater for a higher dose.� Such an effect is described as a severe deterministic effect if it is fatal or life

threatening or results in a permanent injury that reduces quality of life.� The level of the threshold dose is characteristic of the particular health

effect but may also depend, to a limited extent, on the exposed individual. Examples of deterministic effects include erythema and acute radiation p ysyndrome (radiation sickness).

Following plastic surgery(9½ th ft fi t lt ti )3½ months laterFirst consultation (9½ months after first consultation)3½ months laterFirst consultation

Radiation induced lesionRadiation damage to right hand

Right hand

Deterministic effects resulted from Industrial Radiography Accident – MemberIndustrial Radiography Accident Memberof the public injured.

Industrial Radiography Equipment

Examples of Industrial Radiography

g p y q p

source container

Radioactive source inside Industrial Radiography source container

Industrial Radiography Equipment

Source guide tube & winding gear

Industrial Radiography Equipment

Gammamat pigtail Steel capsule

Sealed radioactive source

Steel capsule

Radioactive material inside

Who are the Stakeholders?Who are the Stakeholders?Who are the Stakeholders?Who are the Stakeholders?

� Regulatorg� SAPS (Bomb-squad to secure safety)� NECSA (Safe retrieval & final disposal)� Sub-directorate: Radiation Control (tracking)� Sub-directorate: Radiation Control (tracking)� SARS Customs (Import/Export)� ITAC (Permits)

S M t l I d t� Scrap Metal Industry� Detection equipment, Documentation, Procedures, etc.� Imported Scrap – verification & detection at ports of

t d b k t i ientry – send back to origin� Carriers� Dealers of Detection Equipment

Stakeholders: Common goalsStakeholders: Common goalsStakeholders: Common goalsStakeholders: Common goals

Prevention

Detection

Response

Prevention

Scrap Metal Industry

Prevention

Scrap Metal Industry� Awareness� Training / WorkshopsTraining / Workshops� Buy from reputable companies� Documentation� Ensure cleaning of transport vehicles� Use detection equipment – regular procedures� DO NOT allow transport vehicle to leave with

radioactive source on board – report , remove.

PreventionPrevention

Directorate Radiation Control:Directorate Radiation Control:� Source register

- Authorities holders (posses & use)- Authority to import, export, buy/sell, final disposal

� Cradle-to-Grave Tracking:S i l N R di ti S- Serial No. Radioactive Source

- Serial No. Container

� PROBLEMS:PROBLEMS:- Legacy from neighboring countries - lack of regulation- Illegal imports (radioactive sources or scrap metal containing it)

Un authorized disposal- Un-authorized disposal- Un-authorized transactions

DetectionDetectionDetection� Identification - Difficult to Recognize

Detectiong

� Unsealed sources: Liquids, capsules, mostly for medical & research

� Sealed sources: Very small - usually inside containers

� Container - Various shapes & size

C t i h (M tl d f l d d l t d� Containers very heavy (Mostly made of lead, depleteduranium, tungsten)

� Radiation warning sign (trefoil)g g ( )

� Hand-held detectors

� Portal monitorsPortal monitors

� Electronic personal devices

DetectionExamplesDetectionExamples

of Equipment containing Radioactive Sourcesof Equipment containing Radioactive Sources

Commonly found in South Africa

� Category 1 Sources – well controlled in SA

� Category 2 Sources – mainly Industrial Radiography widely used

� South Africa has a large Industrial-, Mining- and Construction industries

� Category 3 Sources – measure & control devices widely used in

• mines, including off-shore vessels

• other industries such as level- and thickness gauges

t ti i d t i i l d t ti• construction industries, mainly road construction

• bore-hole logging

Categorization of sources: ExamplesCategorization of sources: Examples

Source Risk in being close to Examples of practices (uses)category an source

1 Extremely dangerous Teletherapy UnitsIrradiators

2 Very dangerous Industrial radiographyAfter-loaders (High/medium dose rate)

3 Dangerous Fixed gauges (density-, level-, dredger, conveyor belt mass etc)conveyor, belt mass, etc),Soil gaugesWell-logging gauges

4 Unlikely to be dangerous After-loaders (Low dose rate)Thickness-fill-level gaugesBone densitometersStatic eliminators

5 Most unlikely to be Low dose rate brachytherapy (eye plaques,5 Most unlikely to bedangerous

Low dose rate brachytherapy (eye plaques,permanent implants)X-ray fluorescence devicesElectron capture devices

Categorization of sourcesCategorization of sourcesCategor Risk to person in being close Risk if source is dispersed

y of source

to a person by fire or explosionThis amount of radioactive material

could

1 Extremely dangerous Permanent injury/life threatening in 1 Extremely dangerousPermanent injury if handled more than few minutesFatal if close to unshielded source forfew minutes - an hour

j y gimmediate vicinityLittle/no risk if beyond few hundred meters away

few minutes an hour

2 Very dangerousPermanent injury if in contact for minutes to hoursF t l if l t hi ld d f

Permanent injury/life threatening in immediate vicinityLittle/no risk if beyond a hundredmeter awayFatal if close to unshielded for source

hours - days

meter away

3 DangerousP t i j if i t t f

Permanent injury possibly, but unlikely in immediate vicinityPermanent injury if in contact for some

hoursFatal if close to unshielded source for days - weeks

yLittle/no risk if beyond few metersaway

Categorization of sourcesCategorization of sources

Category Risk to person in being close Risk if source is dispersedCategoryof source

Risk to person in being closeto a person

Risk if source is dispersedby fire or explosion

This amount of radioactive material could

4 Unlikely to be dangerousPermanent injury unlikely,Temporarily injured if handled unshielded

Could not be permanently injured

unshielded

5 Most unlikely to be dangerous

Could not be permanently injured

No one could be permanently injured

Soil gauges / density gauges

A serial number of the Cs-137 and a radiation warning i illsign will appear on

the handle

Trefoil / radiation warning sign

We refer to the instrument itself as the container (of the source) and is has a serial number of its own

The Cs-137 source is at the bottom of the vertical rod –as it is now it is inside the container, shielded by the lead casing in the yellow part. There is also an Am-241/Be-9 source inside the instrument. The lead causes the instrument to be fairly heavy. The shutter is underneath. If it is open or the rod sticks out at the bottom, it is dangerous. Do not look at it directly –rather use a mirror placed on the floor to verify this.

Radiation Symbol and Warning signsRadiation Symbol and Warning signs

Basic Radiation Warning symbol must be displayed on a metal plate fixed to all source containers. It is yellow and black. Next to it two serial numbers must be indicated:

Serial number of the source

Serial number of the container

Type of radio-nuclide – quantity - date

Radiation warning sign displayed on entrances of controlled areas, storage places and barriers to prevent access

Transport containers (measure & control sources)

Various transport containers are used to convey mainly Cs-137 or Co-60 sources used for measure and control devices

Transport label

RADIATION WARNING SIGN

Label containing source information: type of source & serial number

Transport containers (measure & control sources)

Various transport containers use to convey usually Cs-137 or Co-60 sources used for measure and control devices

Radiation warning signs is mandatory on all radioactive source containers

Labels used on transport packages containing radioactiveLabels used on transport packages containing radioactivematerial differs from radiation warning signs

Labels used on Transport packagesLabels used on Transport packages

Note the indications on the labels referring to the Contentlabels referring to the Contentand Activity. E.g.

Contents: Cs-137 (type of radioactive source)

Activity: 1.85 MBq or 30 mCi

Labels used on Transport packagesLabels used on Transport packages

Transport containers (measure & control sources)

Disused transport containers used to convey usually Cs-137 or Co-60 sources used for measure and control devices

Labels are often rusted, illegally painted or removed

Measure & ControlMeasure & ControlDensity gauges are used to measure the content of tanks in mining- orthe content of tanks in mining orprocessing industry or on pipes through which materials moves, sewerage pipes

Lead pin (dimensions 49mm x 70 or 80 or 110mm) inside9

• Density gauges contain a Cs-137 source with a half-life of � 30 years. It can cause harm for �300years. It may also contain aa Co-60 source, Source contained in this cavityyears. It may also contain aa Co 60 source,half-life 5 years.

• A density gauge has a shutter. If the shutter is open, it is very harmful.

Source contained in this cavity

Radioactive source found in ScrapG tGauteng

Plastic Drum found at bucket shop

Objects recovered

One of the two source pins recovered

Empty lead pots in bag

USED FOR UNSEALD SOURCES

plastic bucket

Measure & ControlMeasure & Control

Density gauge mounted on a pipe

Detector

Radioactive source ShutterRadioactive sourceinside lead container

Shutter

Open: Directional beam of gamma rays

Closed: Save

Measure & ControlMeasure & Control

Belt mass meters are similar to density gauges but it is mounted over a conveyor belt and used to measure the mass of ore passing through it

• Density gauges contain a Cs-137 source with a half-life of � 30 years. It can cause harm for �300years

• A density gauge has a shutter. If the shutter isA density gauge has a shutter. If the shutter isopen, it is very harmful.

Bore-hole loggingBore hole logging

Cs137 Activity 3 7GBqCs137 Activity 3.7GBqCaesium 137 density (gamma) source housed in its lead lined orange shield.(Approx weight 15 kg)(Approx weight 15 kg).

Indian Man Dies After Radiation Exposure

(Radio-nuclide: Co-60 source used in Food-irradiator)( )

NEW DELI – 9 April 2009

…”Rajender, 35, was one of seven people hospitalized after being exposed to radioacte materials at scrap metal shops in an industrial area known as Mayapuri,p y p ,located barely 10 miles from India’s Parliament. ….”

…” Police cordoned off a large section of Mayapuri while scientists removed 11 samples of material contaminated with Co-60, …”

Radioactive source found in ScrapRadioactive source found in Scrap

Density gauge found at scrap metalDensity gauge found at scrap metalprocessing plant on 26 June 2010.

It was used on an off-shore vessel in Cape Town harbor and used in theCape Town harbor and used in thediamond mining industry.

Source information:

1.85 GBq C3-137 source found between scrap with shutter open, probably a transport container or density gauge.

The label was coverer with yellow paint.